Rwandan football received a boost on Wednesday, December 11, as the local federation, FERWAFA, unveiled an ambitious two-year partnership with FIFA aimed at enhancing youth football development. ALSO READ: CECAFA U17: Amavubi draw criticism after Somalia humiliation Dubbed FIFA-FERWAFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS), the initiative, which will span the next two years, was presented by a team of international football development experts, including FIFA High Performance Specialist Antony Baffoe, lead talent coach Frédéric Crébiller, who will oversee the implementation phase, and National Technical Director Gérard Buscher. The scheme represents a comprehensive approach to talent development, focusing on early identification of young players, consistent development pathways, and structured monitoring systems. ALSO READ: New Ferwafa SG Mugabe warns staff to deliver 'under pressure' It is a global FIFA initiative designed to support member associations in building sustainable, long-term talent development systems. The program goes beyond simply training young players, encompassing the entire ecosystem necessary for football excellence, including coaches, scouts, academies, and performance structures. In Rwanda's case, the two-year scheme will feature objectives including regular monitoring mechanisms, and hands-on support from FIFA experts stationed in the country. FERWAFA president Fabrice Shema Ngoga, speaking at the launch, said youth football in Rwanda needs urgent structural and performance improvements. He described the TDS as an opportunity that could reshape the trajectory of Rwandan football. If this project is implemented with commitment and discipline, it will put an end to the poor performance that has been affecting our youth teams. We want to see Rwandan junior teams at the World Cup in 2028, performing strongly in AFCON, and ultimately raising the level of our senior national team, he said. Baffoe reaffirmed FIFA's dedication to supporting Rwanda's football development ecosystem across both technical and structural pillars. TDS is designed to make Rwandan teams more competitive internationally. It does not stop at players; it also strengthens the capacity of elite coaches and scouts who are essential for sustainable success,” he said.
